I don't think Ernie is discrediting yours or anyone else's service. I believe the essay he partially quoted is going for a similar point as the article that I linked. Btw, that article was written by a veteran. Most people are quick to tell you thank you for your service, but in truth, theyve never really thought about what they are thanking you for.
Civil War reenactment is LARPing for people with no imagination.